Malawi Freedom Network 
Comrade Jumbe Calls for Accountability, Says Malawi Must Respect Its Democratic Heroes
By MFN Reporter
October 26, 2026
Comrade Jumbe has called on the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leadership to investigate allegations of attempts to humiliate veteran politician Kamlepo Kalua at Umodzi Park, warning that Malawi must not abandon individuals who contributed to the country’s struggle for multiparty democracy.
In a strongly worded statement dated October 26, 2026, Jumbe urged the government and those responsible for managing Umodzi Park to uphold Kalua’s dignity, arguing that his historical contribution to Malawi’s democratic development deserves recognition rather than alleged political victimisation.
Jumbe said reports of the alleged mistreatment were concerning and called for a transparent investigation to establish what happened and determine whether any public officials were involved in misconduct.
“Malawi must never become a nation that humiliates its heroes while they are still alive and celebrates them only after they are gone,” Jumbe said.
Jumbe Reminds DPP of Kalua’s Democratic Legacy
Jumbe described Kalua as one of the prominent figures associated with Malawi’s struggle against one-party rule during the era of former president Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda.
He said Kalua demonstrated political courage during a period when challenging the established political order demanded considerable determination and personal sacrifice.
According to Jumbe, Kalua used his political activism and voice on Channel Africa to contribute to the campaign for political freedom and democratic change.
He argued that Malawi should not disregard the contributions of individuals who helped shape its democratic history simply because recognising them might become politically inconvenient.
“We cannot rewrite history simply because it has become politically inconvenient to acknowledge the people who helped shape it,” Jumbe said.
He added that a nation that forgets the sacrifices made in the struggle for freedom risks betraying the democratic principles those individuals fought to establish.
Calls for Investigation Into Umodzi Park Allegations
Jumbe has challenged the DPP leadership to establish the facts surrounding the allegations and ensure that public institutions are not used to settle personal or political differences.
He specifically named Umodzi Park Director of Finance and Administration Jonathan Makyelu, Xavier Lumbani and an individual he identified as Khumbo, whom he described as an auditor, among those whose possible involvement should be examined.
However, the allegations against the named individuals have not been independently verified, and no findings of wrongdoing have been established in the information available for this report.
Jumbe called for appropriate administrative measures, including placing officials on leave where justified, to facilitate an impartial investigation.
He stressed that anyone found to have abused their position or engaged in misconduct should face disciplinary action in accordance with the law and applicable procedures.
The central demand is accountability, with any action against the named officials dependent on evidence and the outcome of a fair investigation.
DPP Leadership Warned Against Internal Sabotage
Jumbe also raised concerns about what he described as possible internal divisions and conduct that could undermine public confidence in the DPP government.
He suggested that individuals who do not support the government’s reform agenda could be damaging the party’s reputation from within.
However, he did not provide independently verified evidence establishing that the alleged conduct was part of a coordinated effort to sabotage the government.
He nevertheless urged the party’s leadership to take the allegations seriously and ensure that internal disputes do not compromise public service, accountability and national unity.
Jumbe further claimed that Kalua had made a significant contribution to the DPP’s victory in the recent elections, arguing that his political contribution should not be overlooked.
He called on the party leadership to demonstrate its commitment to fairness by addressing the matter transparently and holding anyone responsible for proven misconduct accountable.
‘Respect Those Who Fought for Democracy’
Jumbe said a government’s credibility should be measured not only by its promises but also by how it treats people who contributed to the country’s democratic development.
He maintained that respecting Malawi’s democratic history should transcend party politics and personal differences.
According to him, the controversy surrounding the allegations at Umodzi Park presents an opportunity for the DPP leadership to demonstrate its commitment to integrity, justice and responsible governance.
He urged the government to ensure that Umodzi Park remains a place associated with public service and national progress rather than political conflict.
“A tree without roots cannot withstand the storm,” Jumbe said, using the expression to emphasise the importance of remembering the country’s democratic foundations.
He added that individuals who contributed to the struggle for political freedom should not be discarded when recognising their contributions becomes inconvenient.
A Test of Accountability
Jumbe’s appeal places the spotlight on the importance of fair administrative procedures, respect for individuals and accountability within public institutions.
While the allegations require independent verification, his demand is that the DPP leadership establish the facts, protect the dignity of those involved and take appropriate action if misconduct is proven.
For Malawi, the broader issue is whether disagreements within institutions can be resolved through transparent procedures rather than personal attacks or political pressure.
Jumbe concluded by urging the DPP leadership to act decisively, fairly and transparently, arguing that protecting democratic values requires both respect for the country’s history and accountability in the present.
He signed off with a message underscoring his determination to continue speaking out on matters he considers important to Malawi’s future:
“My pen is mightier than a sword.”
